Registration Link (pending)

Overview

The Masquerade is Saturday’s big costuming event! Come cheer on your peers or become part of the show! Participants will showcase their craftsmanship skills from any genre of costuming in a performance for all to view. Don’t miss this premiere event! 

In addition to the performance, participants are also judged on craftsmanship. Craftsmanship judging is optional. Please indicate if the entry will partake in craftsmanship judging on the Masquerade registration form. 

Skill Divisions 

Youth: Open to all participants aged 12 or younger. Any “Youth” presentation or walk-on containing non-Youth competitors will be moved to the appropriate non-Youth category.

Novice: Open to competitors who have won 2 Major Awards or less as a Novice. If you have ever won in any division higher than Novice, you may not enter at Novice or lower.

Journeyman: Open to competitors who have won 2 Major Awards or less as a Journeyman. If you have won more than 2 Major Awards as a Journeyman, you must enter the Master division.

Master: Open to all competitors who wish to compete at this level. 
Professional Costumers must compete in this division. 
A Professional Costumer is defined as someone who makes over 50% of their income through costume making or commissions.

Each entry’s division is based on the highest-ranked member of the group. (e.g., A group with 1 Novice, 3 Journeymen, and 1 Master will compete at the Master level.)

Major Cosplay Awards Include: 

Best in Show

Best in Division

Best Performance or Craftsmanship

First Place, Second Place, etc.

Not Considered Major Awards: 

Honorable Mentions

Judges’ Awards

Similar forms of recognition

Participants may be bumped into a higher division at the Judges’ discretion. A competitor may choose to compete in a higher division, but if awarded in that division, they must continue competing at that level or higher in future competitions. 

General Rules 

Entrants must be registered to attend Katsucon. This includes all group members. Group leaders should verify all members have pre-registered.

Katsucon Staff are not permitted to enter the competition.

This is a family-friendly event. All performances and costumes must remain PG-13. No explicit gestures, nudity, swearing, or inappropriate dancing.

Participants are expected to behave maturely onstage and backstage.

All costumes and props are subject to Katsucon Convention Policies.

All props and backgrounds must be removed after the event. No backstage storage post-event.

Nothing may be left onstage. This includes toilet paper, tissues, rice, water, etc. Fire, fireworks, and pyrotechnics are strictly prohibited.

Respect the stage and leave it clean.

Mobility & Accessibility

A wheelchair lift is available for performers who need accessible access to the stage.

If you or a member of your group requires the lift or any mobility accommodations, you must notify Masquerade staff before the convention so we can plan accordingly and ensure a smooth check-in and performance experience.

Costume Size & Stage Safety

Costumes and props must be able to safely enter, exit, and move on the stage.

If a costume or prop is too large or cannot be safely access the stage, it may not be permitted to compete in the Masquerade.

Final determination of stage safety rests with Masquerade staff. These decisions are made solely to protect performers, crew, and the audience.

Handlers

Handlers are permitted to assist performers but must not disrupt the flow of the show or interfere with other contestants. Performers who have handlers must be seated or go back to the green room after the performance is completed.

Participation Limits 

Each person may only be in one skit.

Groups are limited to 10 people on stage at any time (including stage ninjas).

Stage ninjas do not count toward the time limit.

Attendance Requirements 

Failure to attend check-in, rehearsal, lineup, or craftsmanship judging (if applicable) will result in cancellation of your performance.

Exhibition (non-competing) entries are allowed, but priority goes to competitive entries.

The Masquerade Head has final say on all matters.

Stay in assigned areas. Loitering in off-limit zones can result in dismissal from the event and/or convention.

Costume Source Guidelines 

Judged costumes must be from public/commercially available media. No original personal designs.

Fan art will be evaluated case-by-case.

Accepted genres include (but are not limited to):

Anime

Cartoons

Video Games

Movies

Art books and Artwork

Comics and Graphic Novels

Crossovers and mixed genres are allowed. 
Examples: Ubisoft, Disney, Valve, DC, Marvel, Warner Bros., Star Wars, My Little Pony, Doctor Who.

Rehearsal 

Mandatory rehearsal is on Saturday morning.

Missing rehearsal forfeits your performance slot.

Stage dimensions: 32 ft x 99 ft x 28 ft

Stage Use & Performance 

Acrobatics or martial arts are not permitted.

Choreographed dance-like movements are allowed (must be declared in advance).

Microphones are limited and must be preapproved.

Pre-recorded audio (dialogue/music) is recommended.

Live music is allowed only with prior approval from the Masquerade Coordinator.

Audio must be submitted in .MP3 format before the convention.

 No exceptions.

Notify staff of any “unique” elements in your performance in advance.

 Late requests (at check-in) will not be accepted.

Minors 

Parents/legal guardians may stay with underage performers.

 All handlers must leave the backstage area after the performance.

Time Limits

1–2 participants: 1 minute 30 seconds

3–5 participants: 2 minutes

6–10 participants: 2 minutes 30 seconds

Violating any Masquerade or Convention rules may result in disqualification. Severe violations may lead to immediate removal from the convention. 

Masquerade Cosplay Judging

PRINTED reference material is required.

 Phones, laptops, tablets, or similar devices will not be accepted.

Construction progress photos are highly encouraged.

Costumes must be worn or presented on a mannequin for craftsmanship judging.

Registration 

Opens: November 27^th, 2026 Closes January 2^nd, 2027

Entries often fill quickly. We encourage you to register as early as possible.

A submission link will be available on this page at that time.

Only one person per group needs to complete the registration form.

There is no at-con registration for this event.

Masquerade Check-In 

Group leaders must check in at the Cosplay Check-In Area during designated times.

Check-in confirms entry, distributes info passes, and finalizes performance details.

Failure to check in means your entry will be dropped.

If you must cancel, please notify the Masquerade Head as soon as possible. We understand nerves and last-minute issues.

Awards 

Awards will be assigned by Division (when applicable).

Judging is based on Craftsmanship and Presentation scores.

Best in Show requires participation in both Craftsmanship and Presentation judging.

Spirit Award is given to the contestant who best represents “Cos-positivity.”

If entries are lacking in a category/division, judges may withhold awards.

Walk-On Showcase

Attendees who would like to walk across the stage and showcase their cosplay are welcome to participate in the Walk-On Showcase.

Walk-On registration is available at the convention at Potomac Registration on Saturday morning.

The Walk-On Showcase will take place immediately following the Masquerade performances.

Participants should report to the Green Room at 2:30 PM to check in and line up before the showcase.

Helpful Hints 

Keep your presentation short and engaging. You don’t have to use the full-time limit.

Test your skit on someone unfamiliar with the source. If they don’t “get it,” consider revising.

Make sure even the back row can see and understand your skit. Exaggerate movements, avoid crowding, and use large readable signs or visuals.

Structure matters: Have a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Don’t just end abruptly; plan your exit!

Questions? 

If you are unsure about division placement or have additional questions, please contact: [email protected] 